Spotlight Cameroon: anti-poaching trainings already bearing fruit

No more than two months were needed in order to see the training in the fight against poaching delivered to village guards and rangers in Bouba Njida National Park from March through till May 2013 bear its fruit.

At the time, the trainers sent by the International Fund for Animal Welfare taught basic techniques in the fight against poaching to participants that had often been abandoned by their leaders.

Sometimes poorly or not at all equipped, sometimes unarmed, and despite this still sent to the front line to face increasingly violent poachers who do not hesitate to open fire on them.

However, news that we have received from the field is very encouraging.

Despite the rainy season and the difficulties it brings with it in terms of making patrols difficult and dangerous due to reduced visibility, since 1st July, 43 poachers have been arrested, and 22 weapons have been seized.

Very soon the team at Bouba Njida will be receiving anti-poaching equipment and materials sent by IFAW, which are currently awaiting customs clearance at Douala.

This equipment will enable the team to better carry out its mission of securing the park and protecting its remaining elephants.